Software Engineer - GSE Automation

We are seeking a hands-on Software Engineer - GSE Automation to support Python-based automation and operational debug for aerospace electronics development, validation, and production support activities. This role is focused on automation infrastructure, instrument control, hardware/software interaction, and lab-based troubleshooting.

This is not embedded product software development. Instead, this role supports ground support equipment and engineering workflows through Python automation, PyVISA / SCPI instrument control, UART communications, power supply interaction, and software tools that help electrical and test engineers debug and improve lab operations.

The ideal candidate enjoys working close to hardware, solving practical technical issues, and supporting scalable engineering workflows in a fast-paced lab environment., * Develop, maintain, and operate Python-based automation systems supporting aerospace power systems development, validation, and production activities

• Build and maintain software that interfaces with laboratory instrumentation including programmable power supplies, electronic loads, DAQs, DMMs, oscilloscopes, switching systems, and related equipment
• Develop and support automation using PyVISA, VISA, SCPI, and similar instrument-control frameworks
• Troubleshoot issues spanning automation software, instrumentation, communications, hardware interfaces, test infrastructure, and system interactions
• Support debugging of product issues, GSE failures, automation anomalies, and operational test interruptions
• Develop engineering utilities, scripts, dashboards, logging systems, and operational support tools
• Support collection, storage, visualization, and analysis of operational and test data
• Work closely with electrical, hardware, software, and production teams to improve repeatability, scalability, and reliability of automated workflows
• Maintain software documentation, operational procedures, troubleshooting guides, and configuration-controlled automation assets
• Support extended lab operations, off-shift activities, or off-site work as needed

Do you have experience in Software documentation?, * Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent practical experience

• 2+ years of experience in software development, automation engineering, engineering tools development, or hardware-interfacing software
• Strong proficiency in Python
• Experience with instrument control frameworks such as PyVISA, VISA, SCPI, or similar automation environments
• Experience interfacing software with laboratory instrumentation or hardware systems
• Strong troubleshooting skills across software, instrumentation, and hardware interactions
• Ability to work effectively in a hands-on laboratory environment supporting technical hardware teams
• Strong organizational, communication, and practical problem-solving skills
• Strong documentation skills, * Experience with power electronics, battery systems, aerospace electronics, industrial automation, or embedded hardware environments
• Experience with DAQs, programmable power supplies, electronic loads, oscilloscopes, switching systems, or instrumentation-heavy workflows
• Experience with Grafana, dashboards, telemetry visualization, or engineering operational monitoring tools
• Experience with databases, SQL, or engineering data pipelines
• Familiarity with Linux engineering environments
• Experience supporting production automation or scalable engineering validation systems

3.83.8 out of 5 stars Sterling, VA 20166 $100,000 - $140,000 a year - Contract, Pulled from the full job description

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid holidays, * 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off